26 June 2019

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

A key finding from our school’s recent audit report indicated the need for our school to address certain aspects of the student attendance policy. I firmly believe that, regardless of whether a child is attending school or an adult is in the workforce, turning up each day ready to contribute is one of the greatest indicators of success.

The Queensland Department of Education has set an aspirational attendance target of 95%. Whilst I appreciate that we have some work to do to ensure all students meet this goal, I already know that more than 400 Worongary State School students are already achieving or exceeding this target. It is essential we support specific students and parents to improve attendance rates (attending school every day on time). I also know it is vitally important to recognise and celebrate those students who have already achieved and exceeded this milestone.

Over the next few days, all students will receive a document that outlines their Semester 1 attendance. I seek the support of all parents to read this letter and reflect on your child’s attendance, and the impact their attendance is having on their learning. If your child has achieved or exceeded the 95% target, we ask that you take the time to celebrate this accomplishment and look to continue this great work. If your child is below the expected standard (not withstanding legitimate circumstances), we seek your support to ensure your child improves their attendance. I also encourage you to discuss any concerns with Mrs Kerry White (Prep to Year 2 Deputy Principal) or Mrs Kelly Ready (Year 3 to Year 6 Deputy Principal).

Semester 1 Awards Ceremony

This week is a very important week on our school’s annual calendar of events. Yesterday, during the Semester 1 Academic Awards Ceremony, I had the pleasure of acknowledging the outstanding achievements of many of our students in Years 1 and 2. Students who achieved academic excellence during Semester 1 received a Principal Academic Excellence Award. Other students who received Merit Encouragement and Effort Awards were also acknowledged at this special assembly. On behalf of our staff, I sincerely thank all of the parents who supported this event by attending. I also extend a very big thank you to our local State Member, Ms Meaghan Scanlon for attending this event and helping to acknowledge our students who have achieved outstanding results during Semester 1.

Tomorrow (Thursday 27 June) we will formally celebrate our Year 3 to Year 6 students’ Semester 1 achievements. This event will commence at 9:30am. We once again extend an invitation to all parents and community members to join with us and celebrate a very successful semester. In addition to acknowledging our students who achieved academic excellence, we will also pay tribute to the contributions individual students have made during this season’s interschool sporting competitions. I look forward again welcoming Ms Meaghan Scanlon who will once again join us to congratulate our students in Year 3 to Year 6.

Jimbelung Day Camp

The Yugambeh language people are the traditional custodians of the land located in south-east Queensland and north-east New South Wales, now within the Logan City, Gold Coast, Scenic Rim, and Tweed City regions. Their ancestors all spoke one or more dialects of the Yugambeh Language. Last week, Worongary State School was excited to offer our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families a day camp at Numinbah Valley Environmental Education Centre. In the Yugambeh language, Jimbelung is a word for “friend”. The concept of conducting the Jimbelung (Friend) Day Camp was created following the Term 1 Indigenous Parent Stakeholder meeting. During this day, our students and their families participated in a Kombumerri Calendar Walk, Indigenous Games and a session conducted by Paul Craft relating to Aboriginal cultural activities.

Thank you to the parents and extended family members who supported this event. I also wish to thank the large percentage of parents who have already provided me with overwhelmingly positive feedback on the success of this initiative. I thank Mrs White and Ms Kaia for their leadership of this very successful event and welcome feedback on how we can improve this initiative in 2020. Please feel free to forward any feedback directly to me (ldare1@eq.edu.au).

Container Refund Scheme Update

Last fortnight our school community returned 39 bags of containers to Envirobank. This was a tremendous achievement for our first collection and raised almost $175. In addition to having the facility for children to drop off full bags, this week we encouraged each individual child to bring along two recyclable containers. This small donation will significantly support your hard working Parents’ and Citizens’ Association to continue to advance the school’s air-conditioning project.

Parents can also contribute to this fundraising initiative over the vacation period by taking their Envirobank bags directly to a local collection depot. Families are able to donate these funds to our school’s air-conditioning project by simply providing the contractor with our school’s details (Scheme ID number C10179198). Due to workplace health and safety concerns, the school is unable to accept glass containers during the collection days. Parents wishing to donate glass bottles are strongly encouraged to take these to the collection depots and use the above-mentioned Scheme ID Number.

The first collection for Term 3 is scheduled to occur in the second week of the term (Wednesday 24th July).

Assessment and Reporting

End of Semester 1 Report Cards have now been completed and distributed. As per previous years, these reports were emailed to all parents today. We welcome parents making contact with the class teacher to obtain any additional information regarding these reports.

As previously shared, parents will notice from reading these reports that there is a strong alignment between the Australian Curriculum’s Achievement Standards and the report comments for each core learning area. Due to this alignment, the majority of the students’ core learning area comments will be similar. These comments will be reflective of the relevant aspect of Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) Achievement Standard covered during this semester. The achievement (A-E) reflects the degree in which the student has achieved this standard.

I sincerely thank the teaching team for their commitment to producing these informative reports and trust all parents will value the information contained in these reports. For more information about the levels of achievement, please see Page one of your child’s report.

Year 4 Rugby League

Our very determined Year 4 Rugby League team last week competed in the Oceanic Zone Grand Final. Competing against an undefeated Burleigh State School team was always going to be a difficult task for our boys. At the end of the game, Burleigh proved to be too strong and won convincingly. During the game, there were many opportunities for our boys to “throw in the towel”. For the entire duration of the game, our boys never gave up. From the sideline, I was so impressed by the way that our Year 4 boys continued to work as a team and encourage their teammates. Their sportsmanship and commitment to each other was evident in everything they did during the game. They represented our school with a strong sense of pride. I congratulate this amazing team for their achievements during the 2019 Rugby League season and thank Ms Smith and Mr Rogers for their coaching and co-ordination of the team. Well done boys on a fantastic season.

Choral Fanfare 2019

On Thursday evening, I had the pleasure of supporting of our school’s Choir while they competed in the South East Regional Choral Fanfare (previously named Creative Generation Voices). This biennial statewide program celebrates talented choirs in Queensland state schools. The program highlights the outstanding vocal talents from state school choirs through performance.

The emphasis for Choral Fanfare is on:

• improving the quality of choirs
• promoting the highest possible standard of performance
• striving for excellence
• encouraging participation.

Following their win at the local Choral Fanfare, our students worked incredibly hard to ensure they were well prepared to compete against the best school choirs in the South East Region. From the moment they commenced their performance I knew they would be proud of their achievement. Our choir performed exceptionally well and represented our school with tremendous pride. I congratulate each member of our choir for their outstanding performance. I acknowledge and thank Ms Katheryn Jones for her dedication and commitment to helping our students prepare for this auspicious occasion. Ms Jones’ passion for enhancing our school’s music department is certainly evident in the enthusiasm our students display. Well done to our choir and Ms Jones.

Classroom Refurbishment

Queensland Government recently released its budget for 2019-20 and an investment in education was at its heart. The Budget includes $1.464 billion to build, refurbish and expand state schools across Queensland – an important funding commitment for school infrastructure. Last Thursday I was pleased to host Ms Meaghan Scanlon to celebrate how Worongary State School will benefit from this announcement. I sincerely thank the students and parents who assisted in the media event that highlighted this announcement.

I am pleased to announce that Worongary State School was allocated approximately $800,000 to refurbish the Year 5 and Year 6 classroom block. This exciting investment will provide our school with the opportunity to co-create with our students functional learning spaces that build upon our school’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) strategic plan. Creating collaborative learning spaces that reflect our students’ thoughts will significantly enhance their level of engagement and their achievement. Providing innovative learning spaces for our teachers will help them to prepare our students to be successful when they transition into high school.

Parents wishing to find out more information on this announcement are encourage to head to Ms Meaghan Scanlon’s Facebook page. More information will be shared through the Pipeline and Parents’ and Citizens’ Association monthly meeting.

Responsible Behaviour Plan Addition

The school is seeking feedback from our P and C Association regarding how the community wishes us to proceed with managing the use of Smart Watches. I sincerely thank the number of parents who have raised concerns with me regarding this technology particularly as some of these watches have the functionality to take video footage and still images. Any parent wishing to have input into this whole school policy is encouraged to attend the meeting. This meeting will commence at 4:30pm in the staffroom.

Keep a watch on our school these holidays

With the holidays fast approaching, we need you to look out for after-hours crime in our school. If you see anything suspicious, call the School Watch on 13 17 88. The School Watch Program is a partnership between the department and the State Government Protective Security Service. It aims to reduce vandalism, theft and arson in schools.

I am very pleased to confirm that 19 continually recording camera’s now protect the school. These cameras are strategically located around the school to ensure any unauthorised person visiting the school after hours will be recorded. If anyone witnesses or suspects suspicious activity, please record the date and time of the incident and contact School Watch. By working in partnership, we reduce any potential damage to our school and ensure our children return to a safe and presentable school after the winter vacation.

That’s a Wrap

It has been an absolute honour to witness firsthand the many achievements our students have accomplished this semester. Our students have excelled in Literacy, Numeracy, STEM, Music and Sport to name a few. I sincerely thank our dedicated and committed teaching team who work tirelessly to ensure they are catering for the needs of each individual child. To the school’s leadership team (Kerry, Kelly, David, Marg, Kaia and Tracie), I thank you for your passion and enthusiasm. It is a privilege to work alongside you all each day. Likewise, I thank our office staff for their kindness and consideration for our students. Life in the office is usually conducted at a frenetic pace and these amazing ladies take it all in their stride. Our school is truly fortunate to have them supporting us all. We acknowledge and thank our unsung heroes (cleaning staff and Facilities Officers) who are usually here well before and after anyone. Our school would simply not be able to operate without this team of hard working people- thank you all.

Thanks also to our P and C Association Executive and members for their ongoing commitment to our school. The P and C Association is so much more than raising funds for air-conditioning or swimming carnivals. I really appreciate and value how hard this team is working to make our school the best school on the Gold Coast.

I wish all children and families a happy and safe winter vacation. Safe travels to those going away. I look forward to welcoming everyone back to another wonderful semester when we get back underway on Monday 15th July.

Regards Landon Dare, Principal

Behaviour

Holiday Activities for your families

If you are looking for fun activities to fill the school holidays, here a few suggestions. Just pack a picnic lunch and the day is yours to enjoy.

1. Explore the rainforests of the Gold Coast hinterland on a bushwalk.
2. Mt Tamborine Glow Worm Caves Cedar Creek Estate, 104 – 144 Hartley Road, North Tamborine
3. Visit Cavill Avenue in Surfers Paradise
4. Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre - 1711 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads. Offering a range of aboriginal cultural walking tours, your kids can experience a corroboree, smoking ceremony and ochre anointment. They’ll get to know the history of the local aboriginal people and their unbreakable link to the coast)
5. Gold Coast Bike Ways. Looking to get away from the Gold Coast’s traffic snarls and congestion? A great way of exploring the beautiful Gold Coast for kids is by bike. It’s easy to hire bikes and helmets and explore some of the Gold Coast’s 800 kilometres of linked bikeways, at least 36km of which skirt the spectacular Pacific Ocean.
6. Washington Waters Park-Marine Parade, Southport, Gold Coast Highway. Washington Waters Park is yet another of the Gold Coast’s amazing parks for kids. It also boasts its fair share of rock pools for the littlies, a monorail, mini bike circuit, enclosed swimming area and plenty of space for them to run around!
7. Kurrawa Pratten Park Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach. This is a fantastic beachside park with plenty of open space, bike paths and shady trees. It’s also home to Ben and Jerry’s Open Air Cinema which runs throughout summer. A cinema experience with a backdrop of sparkling skyscrapers and stars…It doesn’t get any more spectacular than this!
8. Pacific Pines Central Park Hotham Drive, Pacific Pines. This park is the perfect backdrop for a pirate-themed adventure on the Gold Coast for your kids. Complete with a lake and sunken ship-themed adventure playground, stationary train and flying fox, this is yet another Gold Coast park that takes playing on the Gold Coast to an entirely new level of awesome and encourages your kids to put the electronic devices down and get active.
9. Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens. 230 Ashmore Rd, Benowa
10. Pelican Feeding-Ian Dimple Lagoon, 371 Marine Parade, Labrador. The Gold Coast’s the best place for your kids to get up close and personal with of one of the biggest seabirds around: The Pelican. Ian Dimple Lagoon plays host to pelican feeding daily at 1:30pm. Be prepared to make some amazing memories with your kids.
11. Daisy Hill Conservation Park and the Daisy Hill Koala Centre Hill Road, Daisy Hill, QLD. Set right at the northern fringe of the Gold Coast, the Daisy Hill Conservation Park and Koala Centre offers kids the chance to learn about these uniquely Australian marsupials. It’s a great FREE day out for kids and their grownups!
12. Carrara Markets. Gooding Drive and Manchester Road, Carrara. Want to take the kids to the markets? The Carrara Markets are the biggest permanent markets in Queensland. Open weekends, the markets have over 400 stalls for you and the kids to peruse.
13. Activities at the Playground 26th Jun Wed, 10.00am - 12.00pm. Have you visited the Playground at Westfield Helensvale? It's open every day of the week!They also run free activities for kids every Tuesday (Free Kids Move & Groove Dance Sessions) and Wednesday (Free Kids Arts & Craft Activities).
14. Visit your local library
15. Are you looking for an easily accessible, free, stimulating and enjoyable place for your family to spend a day? GOMA (Gallery of Modern Art) in Brisbane’s beautiful South Bank precinct is the perfect destination for families with children of all ages. Immerse the family in creativity at the Children’s Art Centre. There is always plenty to see, do and experience!
16. SparkLab - Queensland Museum https://sparklab.qm.qld.gov.au/ Ticket Prices from $10. Level 1, Queensland Museum Cnr Grey and Melbourne St, South Brisbane

Have a wonderful Winter break.

Kind Regards Ms Kaia

Save the Date

Learning Vine Awards

From the Music Room

Semester 1 Wrap-up!

It has been a very busy few weeks in the Music Department! Last week, the Advanced Strings enjoyed a workshop day of collaborative music making at William Duncan State School. Congratulations to Jasper M, Schuma K, Lacey J, Tamia T, Jayden L and Chloe H who combined with students in the Nerang Alliance to present an afternoon concert for the community.

Senior Band members also spent a day with peers learning new repertoire at Nerang State High School. Congratulations to Taletha A, Samara G, Sommer W-S, Felecia M, Tom M-B, Maddison H, Lili B-B and Amelia I who rehearsed and performed in the afternoon recital for family and friends.

On Wednesday, interested students in Prep – Year 3 engaged in a Ballet Workshop hosted by the Queensland Ballet. This was a fun-filled session that explored cultural music and movement.

Our Senior Choir performed at the Regional Finals of Creative Generations Choral Fanfare. The children gave an outstanding performance. Congratulations to Bently M, Hamaanie T-K, Claudia D, Amelia I, Eli W, Samara G, Triston G, Lincoln J, Daisy B, Cooper D, Jason B, Maya D, Alyssa C, Isaac H, Benji S, Maddeline O, Willow M, Coco-Rose H, Tayla C and Jayda C. Thank you to the families that transported their children to and from this event and supported our Senior Choir.

TERM 3 REHEARSALS

All rehearsals and lessons will start again in Week 1 of Term 3.

BAND – MONDAY 7:45am start
ADVANCED STRINGS – Tuesday 8:00am and Friday 8:00am
JUNIOR CHOIR – Tuesday 8:00am
SENIOR CHOIR – Wednesday 8:00am/ Thursday 8:00am

Have a great rest and we look forward to an exciting Term 3!

Yours in Music
Ms Katheryn Jones
kjone416@eq.edu.au

Read and Grow Update

Read and Grow is a fun interactive story sharing program for parents and children 3-5 year old children who are not yet attending school.

Throughout the program we will learn to listen, sing songs, share books and play together. This is a great way to develop your child’s oral language skills and help prepare them for school.

You’re invited to attend our FREE Read and Grow Program with your 3-5 year old children
(It is not compulsory to attend all sessions)

• When: TERM 3 - Tuesday 23 July until Tuesday 3 September 9am to 9.45am
• Where: Prep A Classroom Worongary State School
• Who: Parents and their children (3-5years)
• Theme: All about families.
  Siblings welcome

Come along and meet other parents and children – all welcome even if not attending Worongary State School

For more information or to ask any questions, please contact Katie Huggard via email: khugg2@eq.edu.au

The program was put together by a speech language pathologist and early childhood teachers. Each week we will read a story and develop language skills through reading, songs, play and craft - practicing the skills we know are important for school readiness such as:

• Focusing on key words and concepts
• asking and answering questions
• noticing the print and the written word in the story or title

For more information or to ask any questions, please contact Katie Huggard via email: khugg2@eq.edu.au

Regards Katie Huggard, PrepTeacher

Excursions

P&C News

P&C Meeting

The next P&C meeting is on Wednesday 24 July 2019 at 4.30 pm in the staff room. We will be discussing the next Air Conditioning Installation. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Colour Run4Fun

This will be held on 8 August 2019. Booklets will be given to teachers this week so children can start fundraising over the school holidays.

Facebook Page

Remember to join our Facebook page “Worongary State School P and C Association” so you can keep updated with our upcoming events.

Regards P&C

Tuckshop & Uniform

Opening Hours

Monday-Friday: 8:30am-2:00pm
Closed: Entire last day of each Term

State of Origin Meal Deals

We hope you enjoyed the ‘Fan Frenzy’ State of Origin Meal Deals last week. The votes are in and according to sales of WSS meal deals, QLD is the favourite to take out the 2019 State of Origin series. NSW is not without support within our school community however, coming in second to QLD by a very narrow margin of 2 points. As NSW managed to take out Game 2 and level the series, we’ll have to wait for the outcome of Game 3 to see if the WSS prediction is correct.

Subway Day – Friday 28 June

Thank you to all parents, staff and students who got their Subway orders in before the 9am cut-off time this morning. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept late orders, but for those who missed out this term, rest assured that we plan for the Subway days to return again each term.

UNIFORM SHOP

Opening Hours

Monday: 8:00am-9:00am
Wednesday: 2:15pm-3:15pm
Friday: 8:00am-9:00am
Closed: Entire last day of each Term
Direct Dial number: 5502 4409

Kind regards,
Michelle Lee
Tuckshop/Uniform Convenor

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